Marcus Aurelius and the Guiding Principles of Stoicism

In the year 165 CE, a black wave of death rose from the East and quickly spurred across the globe faster than anyone could have ever imagined. They called it the Antonine Plague after the reigning Roman Emperor at the time, Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus. Lasting throughout the time of his rule, this plague claimed upwards of 18 million lives and nearly destroyed the Roman Empire. Entire armies could barely scathe, but it didn't undermine Marcus Aurelius's rule.

The Empire thrived despite the economic crises, the numerous invasions, and the grueling pandemic. It is precisely during times of distress that true leaders are tested, and the Caesar rose to the occasion every single time. Aurelius was a philosopher before anything else, regarded as the last of the Five Good Emperors of ancient Rome, a term coined by Nicolo Machiavelli in the 15th century. It was his stoic philosophy that differentiated him from his predecessors.

During the plague, he set his ego aside and broke the mold, surrounding himself with talented and experienced public servants instead of aristocrats and nobles. He listened to advice and empowered those around him to make decisions. He hired the best physicians to lead the battle against the disease decimating Roman populations and to give him the opportunity to focus on the growing economic crisis. He canceled debts, sold Imperial effects and possessions, and confiscated capital from Rome's upper class to keep the economy afloat at a time when fear infiltrated the Empire.

Marcus practiced self-control and inspired his people to remain calm. As if things couldn't get any worse, late in his reign, Marcus received news that an old friend and former general, Avidius Cassius, had staged a rebellion and declared himself Caesar in an attempt to overthrow him. Marcus's response was unusual considering the circumstances. But as disciplined and stoic as he was ever known to be, instead of getting angry and immediately setting out to destroy the men that threatened the Empire, his family, and his legacy, Marcus waited to give the defector a chance to come to his senses.

When he did not, Marcus demanded that Cassius be captured but not killed. In true stoic fashion, he said concerning the matter, "Forgive a man who has wronged one to remain a friend to one who has transgressed; friendship to continue faithful to one who has broken faith." The last of the Five Good Emperors was a student of stoic philosophy. He was greatly influenced by the writings of Seneca and Epictetus, as evident from his personal reflections during campaigning and administration.

He didn't get angry. He didn't allow his emotions to guide his judgments, and he didn't despise his enemy. He acted firmly and justly—a posture that calmed an already nervous Empire in times of extreme tensions. Stoicism provided Marcus Aurelius with a guideline to use when facing the stress of life, and as the leader of the most powerful Empire in history, you know that his stressors were plenty.

This guideline was compiled into "Meditations," Marcus Aurelius's personal diaries—the private thoughts of the world's most powerful man, giving advice on how to be wise in our decisions, just in our judgments, brave in our actions, and temperate in all of our doings. To practice self-control, discipline, and modesty. In short, "Meditations" is a timeless piece of stoic philosophy that is as relevant today as it was in the ancient days of Rome. It is a guide to the key principles of stoicism from the philosopher king himself.

Before we look at "Meditations," I would just like to take a moment to thank our sponsor for today's video, Morning Brew. Just like "Meditations," it includes some of the wisest words from the philosopher king. Morning Brew also features a wealth of information from experts around the world delivered to your inbox every single day. Morning Brew is a free daily newsletter delivered to your inbox in just five minutes. You get all the information you need to know about the world of business, finance, and technology. Unlike traditional news that's boring and honestly full of irrelevant information, Morning Brew's pieces are witty, humorous...